You’d think Notre Dame are merely at the outset of a special, successful era. Yes, they almost climbed to the apex of the proverbial mountain and there was only one further step left to be taken. But it still felt like they’re ahead of schedule. When the emotions from losing the Natty eventually settle, Notre Dame can take solace from their efforts to get there. They’ve come a long way from that Northern Illinois mishap. However, the Irish can’t rest on their laurels. A glaring issue is staring HC Marcus Freeman in the face. Teams go as far as their quarterback takes them. That holds true even for a roster as stacked across the board as the one the Irish have at its disposal. Riley Leonard’s watch has ceased, and Freeman needs to find a succession plan. He’s inching closer.
A new dawn is imminent over South Bend. Peep over the horizon, and 3 inexperienced QBs are standing there, waiting to ascend through the depth chart. Now the Irish do have a lot of talent in the wings. Steve Angeli, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey are all talented prospects. However, not one of them is a 5-star recruit. That’s hardly the benchmark for how a prospect will translate to college. Leonard wasn’t one either. But it’s interesting that Marcus Freeman has more 5-stars littered across the rest of the roster than downtown LA. Yet, the most important position group is missing out completely. But more importantly, the trifecta has made a grand total of 1 start between them. This creates a conundrum. After months of discourse, quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli has commented on the situation. Comments that imply one player is leading the charge for being the QB1.
Steve Angeli’s been in the program for the longest, being from the class of ‘22. He’s backed up Riley Leonard for multiple seasons now. Despite starting just once, Angeli has featured 21 times for the Marcus Freeman’s Irish. It’s not frequent that a 3-star such as Riley Leonard pans out the way he did, and fellow 3-star Angeli will hope lightning strikes twice. Technically, he has some big-game experience, too. Angeli did come into the National championship game for one series after Leonard had to sit out. All this is baked into why Guidugli acknowledges Angeli has an advantage over his contemporaries. At least at this early juncture of spring camp.
Guidugli said the following during his spring presser when asked if Angeli’s experience factors into the decision making process. “Anybody in any profession, if they’ve got experience doing something and have had success, that’s going to give you a leg up. Steve, at least, has that in his back pocket as a confidence builder. Like ‘Hey, I’ve gone out [and] started a game. Played really well, won a game. Every time I’ve been called on…I’ve gone in and been able to hold the offense to the same standard as the starter. Those other guys [have] still got to prove that,’” said Gino Guidugli. It makes sense for last season’s backup to now get the keys to the offense. That said, Guidugli proceeded to throw a spanner in the works.
The QB battle being based solely on seniority would be a travesty. It has to be a meritocracy. Marcus Freeman preaches this throughout his team, and that position group is no different. Guidugli stated how all 3 QBs are getting an exactly equal number of reps and snaps in spring practice. Steve Angeli isn’t home and dry just yet. “The proving ground is practice. They’ve just got to go out and whatever opportunities they get, make the most of those opportunities. Be really consistent,” added Guidugli. Speaking of practice, this segues into a worrisome revelation around Notre Dame’s spring camp. Coach Freeman’s got more than just a QB dilemma to contend with.
Marcus Freeman dealing with injuries in various position groups on his roster
Making it to the absolute finish line last season was a testament of Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame’s resilience. Unfortunately though, a deep playoff run exacts a cost. Injuries are an inevitable ramification. This ugly byproduct of making it all the way to the Natty has spilled over into spring camp for the Irish. Plus, a couple of players who didn’t partake in their CFP run are also sidelined. Players being out is hampering Notre Dame’s preparation for 2025.
Defensive end Cole Mullins is slated to miss spring camp activity after his left knee injury last fall. Even if he does get involved, Mullins won’t be a full participant. Left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who had to undergo surgery on his right ankle post-Orange Bowl, also won’t be a full participant. 2 new players acquired via the transfer portal in safety Jalen Stroman and WR Will Pauling are also out following surgery. Starting guard Billy Schrauth also underwent a procedure and will have his involvement be bit-part. A plethora of other players are also ruled out. Coach Freeman’s plans have naturally had to be altered as a result.
Spring practice allows for coaches to get an early look at their roster. But it also allows that roster to build chemistry. With players poised to be in and around the team missing crucial time, it’s not ideal. Marcus Freeman Gino Guidugli won’t be pleased that the offensive line- which was struck with injuries throughout last season- is still not healthy as they come close to a decision about their quarterback. Steve Angeli or someone else, the O-line missing Knapp and Schrauth while a new QB takes charge of the offense is bound to be problematic. The Irish will just hope to have a less injury-riddled 2025 than what they had to rise above last year.
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